Thanksgiving {#8} for Provisions & for You All

I am grateful for every single person who has helped us in funding our adoption.

We are so blessed by seeing our friends and family pull together with us!

I am planning a December Bake sale.
I think it should be fun.  I'll let folks know the details, soon.

Do you see the little adoption fund thermometer on the sidebar?
We are $706 away from $12,500.
Once we reach that dollar amount,
we have a promised gift of $5,000 that will be added!
$17,500 is super close to our goal.  Wow!

If you want to give to our fund, there are a couple ways.
See our page "Ways to Care".
At the top there is a link to our fund kept by Lifesong for Orphans.
You must designate with our name and fund number - Adams #2627
If you donate to this fund, you can get a tax deductible receipt.
If you want that for your 2012 tax return,
be sure to get it into Lifesong prior to December 31st

Another way to help us fund our adoption is to buy coffee or hot chocolate
from our storefront with Just Love Coffee.
For every bag of coffee you buy, they send $5 to our adoption fund!

The current news on our adoption is, we are still waiting!
We have had our dossier waiting in country for just over 12 months now.
We will start to update all our paperwork in the coming months,
since it expires at the 18 months mark.

We can't have a good guess as to when we will receive a referral of a little child.
It could be another year.  Or it could be a good deal shorter than that.
We continue to ask God to prepare our hearts and minds
and our little family for this blessed addition.

Photo Source -  weheartit.com via Erin on Pinterest

Convicted by...

...this, heard from the pulpit yesterday.

“To see a man humble in prosperity

is one of the greatest rarities in the world.””

Bernard of Clairvoit

Source: ffffound.com via Shayna on Pinterest

Listen Up!

Holy lent season you guys!  I haven't been on this blog much lately, have I?
It hasn't been intentional. 
I guess I don't have many blogging thoughts, while operating on a beany brain.

And, I've been sewing ears.
Bunny ears.

This is what I am adding to the Spring bag giveaway. 

There will be at least two pairs of easter rabbit felt ears in the package for ya'll.

I'll post tomorrow what the actual ones look like.

You have until Sunday evening to enter into the drawing!

If you have donated to get an entry,

 & you also are a blog follower for an additional entry,

will you leave a comment telling me that you follow,

in case I miss you on the google follower list?

I'll be back by tomorrow!

Not very Beautiful Beans & stuff

Source: honeyandjam.com via Erin on Pinterest

I am thinking about this cake.
I would make it, but I can't.
Lent and all.
I'll plan to make this for Easter, I think.  I can't imagine any better ideas coming.
Can you?  the perfect party cake + lemon syrup + black tea frosting.
(My tea will be Earl Grey with lavender)

But let's not talk about cake right now.
Let's talk about beans, right?
We've are on day 7 of our simple eating.
I had told the kids no fancy food during our 40 days.
Peyton then renamed it as- no beautiful food allowed.
He'll ask, Mom, is milk beautiful? etc.

I was feeling rather proud of myself for how well we were doing.
Baking our bread, boiling our beans & thinking it all tasted good,
spending $15 dollars at the grocery store for vegetables & tortillas.
And then came yesterday.
Aunt Flo came for her monthly visit.
It wasn't exactly a surprise.
But it was a bit surprising how much more painful the lack of treats became.
I have a huge box of girl scout cookies that didn't get delivered until Lent had already begun.
(huge bummer.  I usually eat one whole box on the day I get my order.)
Boy, did I want a glass of wine.
And my husband was tempted to give me one.  (He is ultra safe.)
We did put Biore strips on our faces & watched 3 episodes on Downton Abbey.
He is a good friend to me.  

And with all that I forgot, for the first time this week, to put my pot of beans on to soak.
Bummer.
I had to do the quick soak/boil version.  I always get nervous about this.
I like to be traditional on the soaking of beans.  It feels safer.
I have had more than a couple nights in my married life
when I have had to declare last minute that dinner was inedible,
due to beans not cooking all the way.
(I also have had a Sunday meal in singlehood when I served up
hard as rock while bean chili to my whole family, plus another entire family, plus Scott.
When he & I were "just friends".
In a effort to prove his devotion, he ate 2 full bowls &
told me it was delicious.  And got quite sick.)
White beans usually seem to be the ones I struggle with.
And wouldn't you know it, white beans are on the menu tonight.

Emergency "quick" version for dried beans -
Rinse dried beans in cold water.
Put in pot & cover with cold water + a few inches on water above beans.
Bring almost to a boil.  Cover pot & remove from heat & allow to sit for 1 hour.
Now you can carry on with cooking, which will still take a few hours.
I start my beans before lunch usually & then turn them of & let them sit.
I like to be on the safe side.
Especially right now.  No treats.  No take out dinner to the rescue.
I've got to get these white beans cooked through.

A big no-no for dried bean cooking, that I think has been the death of me
on those times when they just would not soften, is don't add the salt until the very end.
Salt will keep your beans from softening!
Make sure they are already soft before you put it in the pot.


Okay, so here's the lowdown on cooking beans.
Plan a day ahead.
Rinse your dried beans under cold water & put in your pot to soak overnight.
Water should be a couple inches above the beans.
In the morning, rinse your beans again & fill pot with water again,
to cover beans by about an inch.
Chop an onion & toss it in.  Smash a couple garlic cloves & toss them in.  Splash olive oil in.
A sprig or two of fresh thyme can be lovely &/or a chopped jalapeno.
Bring your pot to a boil then lower the heat & keep pot partially covered.
Keep your pot going at a gentle simmer & add water if needed, to keep the beans covered.
I cook my beans gently for about 3 hours.
See if they are soft before adding salt to taste, and fresh pepper, too, of course.

Springy Gift Bag {win it}

We have a collection of springy items for you to have for your Easter celebration.

Be entered into the drawing to win by giving $5 toward our adoption!

Here's what you can get -

Fun Spring Shoulder Bag made by Monica Emmert- see details here.

a Stuffie Elephant made by me, out of Hilary Lang's pattern - see more here.

Beehouse teapot in lavender & 2 Beehouse tea cups in butter yellow - check out the line here!

Paper party straws in pink, gray & yellow (bundle of 15) - see more about them here.

Blackflower & Co. Hibiscus Mint tea - gorgeous color for spring drinking. - see details here.

Blackflower & Co. Signature Chai tea - drink it, of course.
But you can rub your Easter lamb with these spices, too. - see more here.

Little boy bow ties for Easter handsomeness - this one & this one.

Celebration Pennant Flags in bright colors {quantity 2} - see length details here.

Jar full of Italian Puntini gummies in spring flavors - I love these little candies!

A book for the grown ups &  book for the little kids.

and

Rabbit Ears!  These 3 pairs are for you, the winner.

Value of this Easter package is over $100!


Details for entries in the drawing ::
1. Give $5 to our adoption through Paypal for first entry.

2. "Follow" this blog for a second entry. (and tell me in your comment that you do follow.)

3. For each additional $5 given, you will get another entry.

For example, if you follow this blog & give $20, you will have 5 entries into the drawing.
(first $5 1 entry, follow the blog another entry, $15 additional given make for 3 more entries.)


Join us as we work to bring another little one into our family!
We are currently in the waiting stage for a referral for a toddler little boy from Ethi0pia.
We will hold the drawing on March 18th, 6pm {pacific standard time}
Remember to check back before then for an update of new items in the Spring Bag

missing one

p.s. you can also buy coffee from the Just Love button on the sidebar.
$5 per bag bought goes to our adoption fund!

**A special thank you to Blackflower & Company for the tea donations
& the Beehouse products.
Like them on Facebook to keep up the latest tea news!


**UPDATE - WINNER**
Thank you to everyone who gave!  We raised $165 on this little giveaway. 
We are so grateful for your gifts of love! 
Hope Brownlee is the winner of the bag & all the goodies!

Learning a Little about him

I am working to come up with some fundraiser ideas for our adoption fees.
But to start things off, we are doing a family fundsaver.

Now that we have a bed for future brother in the kid bunk room, the children ask about him often.

When is going to sleep there?  

When are you taking us to Grandma & Grandpa's so you can go see him?

Where will he sit at the dinner table?  Can I sit next to him?

What will his name be?

For our 40 days of Lent (first time, folks!  We have never given up anything for Lent.)

we are going to have an adoption fundsaver 

& a time of trying to learn a little bit more what little brother's meal time is like.

We are going to cut way back on the groceries.

I'll be honest, I am pretty nervous about this.

We are so spoiled with what we eat & drink. 

I've never really dieted or denied myself anything I wanted to eat.

I know, right?  Spoiled.

Our plan is no boxed cereal for breakfast.  Oatmeal instead.

No meat - mostly rice & beans & veggies.  

No candy, chocolate or goodies.

No alcohol.

We will save a lot of dollars, to save for adoption fees.

And hopefully we will learn a tiny bit what it is like to live with much less.

Does anyone have some good beans & rice recipes?

I found a few Ethiopian recipes I'll try- red lentils, chickpea wat &Injera.

We'll have pintos & spanish rice.

White beans & winter greens.

We'll have black beans & rice.

Veggie & barely soup.

Can anyone help us out with ideas?

For Ethiopian recipes, I bought this book 5 years ago 

& don't think I've ever made more than one thing from it.

Source: amazon.com via Erin on Pinterest

Now is the time to dive in.

Thrifty Thursday: The Big Picture

Here's an interesting article from the New York Times. 
It ends with saying how pathetic of a penny pinching attempt it is to flatten your toilet paper roll.  Ha!  Pretty funny.  They are probably right!

Guest Blogger for Thrifty Thursday: Mama Mia McMasters

My friend Linda is a frugal living mother, who has some ideas to share with us.  
When you are done reading her guest post here, check out her blog - Mama Mia McMasters!


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Well, I have learned a few things from Erin about creative ways to save a few bucks. I think Thrifty Thursday is a great idea considering there are so many other ideas on the internet about buying rather than saving! Go Erin!

My idea for this week is actually two in one and even more than that, a lifestyle choice. I think what it really boils down to is community and sharing. I was really struck a few years ago by the passage in the beginning of Acts where the believers shared everything in common and gave to each other when there was a need. It made me really think. I threw around the idea of a 'common purse' with a few friends we were moving to Santa Cruz with. We didn't go all the way to sharing the same bank account or anything, but I feel like that season of my life God really impressed on me some great values about sharing and taking the word 'mine' out of my vocabulary as much as possible.

Okay, okay, get to the point. I hear you. This is Thrifty Thursday and you want a little tip about how you can save a few bucks. I'm getting to it! The tip is this: share!

One specific way I have implemented this in my life is buying bulk and splitting the cost. It works great at Costco where we get a big bag of apples and share half of it with a friend. We have roommates, so we all pitch in for groceries and Costco works great. We even split a Costco run with our neighbors about once per month. I share with them (a really young couple) our list of things we are thinking about getting. They look at it and say, "Yeah, that sounds good." Then I go shopping. When I come home I split it all up and bring them over a great box of groceries and they pitch in to pay their share.

Another thing I have done that I really want to continue is pot sharing. No, not that kind of pot, a pot of sauce or soup! I think I make a pretty mean spaghetti sauce. Since I shop bulk I get the huge can of tomato sauce and spice it up with sausage and things to make a huge batch of yummy goodness. We love it. But it's a lot even for my family of five and our two hungry man roommates. So, I called a friend and told her I'd trade her a pot of spaghetti sauce for a pot of her soup. I love her soup and really miss it since we don't live together anymore. It was a really selfish trade and I think I got the better deal. But in reality I think we both got the better deal. We made a dish we are really good at then ate good food the next day that only needed reheating.

There are lots of things that are amazing about living in community (even if it's not in the same house). I have had times in my life when we did live in the same house or on the same property with people. The benefits are amazing. But even when seasons change there are so many things I can incorporate into my life that keep the same value of community. This value is my inspiration for today's Thrifty Thursday, as well as so many other things in my life. Thanks for letting me get on my soap box here. I guess that was a bit more than frugal advice. My thoughts don't always fit in the nice categories and boxes.

Smash Your Toilet Paper

I have been reading some grocery budget tips over here at this Raising Olives blog.  I started implementing one of her tricks.  You know when you are in a public restroom and the toilet paper is not a roll, but a flat thing?  It's really annoying, because it is hard to get very much off of it.  Well, now we try to mimic that idea in our house.  Before I put a new roll of toilet paper out, I smash it down flat.
I have a few little ones here who take pleasure in grabbing a hold of the toilet paper & pulling & pulling & pulling.  I am trying to slow that process down & give myself more time to catch them, before the whole roll is wasted.

Oh.  Here they are.  They were going on a morning "boat" ride.  In a bassinet.  They can play like this for a few minutes, happily.  And then, someone pushes someone else or in some way infringes on another's space.  And, screaming ensues.
The boat ride was fun, while it lasted.
When your mom is pinching pennies by being strict with the toilet paper, you have to be even more creative when in search of something fun to do.

Free Books

I just started selling all the books I don't want anymore on Amazon.  It's great.  I just sold my 2nd book today.  I've made $15.  Now we can buy another book or two.  
Amazon takes a commission cut on all your sales.  But, Amazon is where people search for books.  So, it seemed worth it to me.  
Another way to get free books is to bookmooch.  My mom & sister do this one.  No money is exchanged.  By giving books, you get points to get more books from someone else.


In case you couldn't tell, I am feeling a little uninspired for Thrifty ideas.  Who wants to be a guest blogger for Thrifty Thursday?  Do you have a good idea to share?

At Home Latte

I got this recipe for a Blender Latte from my friend Karie's blog.  She is a very thrifty lady herself.  So, if you looking for such inspiration, as well as tips on Momhood, check out her Mom to Mom Network.
I am having a blender latte right now.  And, it is pretty decent.  I was surprised that it actually does froth.  I think I put too much milk in mine, or not enough coffee, or my coffee was too weak.  I don't know.  I didn't measure. But, I'll be needing more caffeine after this cup.

I got up at 3am this morning to go to the SF Flower Mart & be back home before Scott had to leave for work.  I'm a little tired...

Sewing for Kids

Sorry to be a day late on this.  Thrifty Thursday was on my mind.  But, also occupying my fingers.  I have been in the sewing groove most of the week.  I don't fall in very often.  So, I like to kinda ride the wave all the way through, while everything else is crashing down around me.  As long as there is still room for my sewing, it's okay if there is an inch of dog hair building up on the floor, toys strewn about like an obstacle course, dirty dishes stacked on every kitchen counter.  What's for dinner?  Boxed mac n' cheese!

Anyway.  This is what I am talking about.  I made these pants for Peyton.  And the bow tie.  It cost me less than $5 combined.
There are many reasons to sew.  But, sewing for the small ones has the added perk of being super cost effective.  In the stores, clothes for kids can often cost as much money as clothes for adults.  But, the fact that their clothes require very little fabric (the main expense) makes sewing a thrifty deal. 
I learned how to make these pants from Dana at Made.  She has a tutorial for making pants that is really easy to follow.  It was so simple.  I can't believe I didn't start sewing pants for the munchies earlier.  Peyton & I were both so excited with the finished product. 
The bow tie was so easy & quick & fun!  I am addicted.  I got that pattern from Mellissa at Fraker's Acres.  If you think the bow tie is cool, stay tuned.  I have a surprise up my sleeve.

Thrifty Thursday: Home Remedies

I got sick with a sinus infection this week. The only other one I've ever had was while I was pregnant with Moira & it was really bad. I was always in pain, couldn't really talk & couldn't sleep. I didn't know what it was until a long while into it.

This time, the 2nd day into it, I knew what it was. I was determined not to go into the doctor to ask for antibiotics. Better for the pocket book & better for my immune system. I started searching the web for sinus infection home remedies. There were tons of ideas. Here's the website I ended up at - Natural Cure Reviews.

I selected a few to try (pretty much at random). I figured I'd give it a couple days.

I started with this idea -
"Place the [heat pad] against your face in the area where your face hurts from the sinus infection (careful not to make it so hot it burns you - you just need warmth), and hold it there for a minute or so. Then, take it off and place the ice pack in the same spot for a minute or two.


Go back and forth between hot and cold for 30 minutes or so. At first it doesn't feel like it is doing much, but it usually breaks loose the mucus so I can breath better. If I do it a few times a day over a couple of days, it usually gets rid of the infection."

It was easy & pleasant. I enjoyed it. I did it numerous times throughout the day.

Then I tried something more intense- snorting garlic onion tea....

"Boil fresh garlic, white onion, and salt.
Inhale the steam (careful not to burn yourself).
Once the mix has cooled to a luke warm state, put 1/4 Cup of the liquid into a ziploc bag. Cut a small hole in the corner of the bag. Lay your head way back over the sink, and place the corner of the bag into your nostril. Slowly lift the bag up so that the mixtures makes it way into your nostril. It doesn't taste yummy, but it doesn't burn and it gives you instant relief!!"
I neglected to follow this one -
"*be sure to AVOID refined sugar, dairy, and wheat during this phase to help speed recovery"
(On day one I was having my cake & eating it, too.)

I woke up this morning and the pressure in my head seemed worse, not better. I wondered if I should give up. Then, I was talking with a prudent friend on the phone & telling her I was ready to go see a doc. She asked me if I had been gargling salt water. I was in the middle of trying to tell her that I'd done something more intense (snorting garlic tea), when a fight broke out amongst the youngins & I had to hang up.

Truth was, I hadn't tried the salt gargle. It seemed too simplistic. But, I decided to give it a go. And... I felt SO much better. I was really amazed. I know to most of you out there, this is not genius. You probably all know about the power of gagging on salt water. But, I didn't. I can't believe I almost spent the time & money to go see a doctor & plea for antibiotics.

I am not against doctors. And, I am not a huge home remedy gal. But, sometimes... What harm is a little salt water going to do you? Why not give it a try.


What sort of home remedies do work for you & your family?




***Update*********

I just went through medical expenses for 2009, while trying to organize my tax documents.

Here's a painful example of way overspending to go to the doctor, because I wasn't thinking.
I thought my kids had chicken pox. But, I wasn't sure. I tried to get advice from other mothers. But, we still didn't know. And, we had adult company coming from out of town, who had never had the pox. So, I felt like I needed to know. So, I took my kids to the doctor. Here was my foolish mistake. Since all I needed was an i.d. of the bumps, I only needed to make an appointment for 1 child. I made an appointment for all 3! $173 is the cost of one appointment at our office. I was the idiot who willing paid $519, instead. What else would I buy without even really considering the price. This one was so unnecessary. Next time I plan to think!

Thrifty Thursday: My Cheap Wine Picks

I am not going to pretend to know anything about wine. I don't. I like to drink wine. But, pretty much just like the kind I like. I don't appreciate all varietals. I don't understand nuances. The way I describe wine is like, "that was too watery" "that was too sweet" "that was nice & full tasting..."

I like Sauvignon Blanc, but I never can taste the grapefruit or melon. I like Cab, but I don't ever taste the blackberries. It sort of just tastes like wine to me.

I found this list of wines under $10 which looks great. I've never tried any of the wines, nor have I ever heard of them. I would like to give some of them a try.

But, I don't make it to the-little-wine-shop-that- has-everything very often.

Here are my favorites that you can find at Nob Hill or Trader Joe's or Costco or wherever.

All these picks are under $10 & can be often found for around or under $5 if you get 'em on sale.



BV Coastal Estates
We like Cabernet, but other varietals are good, too.

and for a cheap pairing - we had this the other night with out Piroshkis & it was so good. It's also good with Tater Tots.

Barefoot
I never wanted to try this wine, cuz it kinda has a cheap look. And, it is cheap. So, I figured it was bad for sure. But, I tried it. And, it is good. They've won medals for just about all their varietals.
Again, we like the Cab & also the Savingnon Blanc.

Clos du Bois Chardonnay

Jekel Chardonnay

Thrifty Thursday: Time isn't Really Money

Is time money? I've been pondering this.
I'm pretty sure, for me, it is not.
When you are figuring how much something costs & how to save money & you factor in "your time", what does that mean? Is that time you are taking off of work & therefore losing money? If not, then time is not really money. And, time really shouldn't be factored in. Apparently a stay-at-home deserves to make a 100k + salary. That is so nice & flattering. People are trying to recognize your hard work & value, but no one is going to pay you that money!
I guess, you could say time is money, if you are using your time to save money.
False - When I factor in the time that it takes me to weed my own front yard, it is cheaper to hire someone.
True - If I have the time to weed my own front yard, I am "making money" (i.e. saving money) for my family by doing it myself.
Are you considering the cloth vs. disposable diaper factor? Is it really correct to add into the money equation the extra time the cloth diapers will take you?
Time is valuable, though. That is very true. So, if you don't want to spend your time doing such & such, then, very good. Spend your time wisely, doing what you value.
Time isn't money. It is worth so much more.

Thrifty Thursday: Learn the Art of Laundering

I want to become a good washer woman. I so am not that. I am the one who seems to have 1 load of laundry a week, with a pen left in a pocket. Sometimes it gets really fun & it is a crayon. Or, like last week, a hunk of purple playdough.
I don't often ruin delicates by accidently putting them in the dryer. But, on occasion, it happens. I used to do it a lot more. I am not sure if I have gotten better at this, though. It could just be that the likelihood of me wearing anything delicate has vastly decreased over the last several years.

One good thing I think I have learned is to use plain ole baking soda in the laundry. I put a big scoop in every load & I think the difference in cleanness is pretty huge. And, I don't use quite as much detergent. I used to always use a little more than the cap said to use. Now I use a little less. So, the baking soda is getting my clothes cleaner, and is saving money on my detergent usage.

The better I launder our clothes, the longer they will last, the less I will have to buy.

But, if I slip up with the laundry, there are still options.
When I do leave that pen in the khaki pants' pocket & it leaves a massive ink spot, I can just turn them in to a backpack. Or, if it happened to be a pair of Cargo pants, I could make a messenger bag.
A grease stain that just won't come out of that t-shirt. No problem. I can make a kid sized tee from it.

Speaking of laundry. We have had the stomach flu in this house for over week. I bet there is a load I could put in right now...

Thrifty Thursday: Cabbage

You want to know something that is cheap? Cabbage.

And it will last & last & last in the little produce draw of your frig.

What can I make with cabbage, you ask?

I have a tasty main dish recipe for you. This recipe makes 6 main dish size turnovers. They freeze well for a last minute meal in the future.

Piroshkis (from Moosewood Restaurant)

Pastry Dough

1 1/2 cups Flour

1/3 teaspoon Salt

1/4 pound Butter

3-5 Tablespoons Water

Filling

2 cups sliced Potatoes

3 Tablespoons Butter

2 cups chopped Cabbage

1 cup finely chopped Onions

1 cup Cottage Cheese

1 cup grated sharp Cheddar Cheese

1 egg

1/2 Salt

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Dill (or 2 teaspoons dried)

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Parsley

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Chives or scallions

1/2 teaspoon ground Caraway seeds

1/2 teaspoon Pepper

*********

1 egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon of water

sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping

In food processor, mix the flour & salt thoroughly. Cut in the butter. Mix in a small amount of water at a time until a ball can formed. Chill dough for at least 15 minutes.

Boil potatoes until fork tender, then drain & mash in a large bowl. Saute cabbage & onions in butter in a covered skillet until tender, about 15 minutes. Add them to the potatoes & stir in all the remaining ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Divide the pastry dough into 6 equal parts. Roll each ball into a thin circle, approx. 6 inches in diameter. Place two or three heaping tablespoons of the filling in the center of each circle. Brush the edges with the egg wash & fold over to form a half-moon. Press the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal. Carefully lift each piroshki with the spatula & place it on an oiled baking sheet. Brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash & sprinkle with seeds.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Top with sour cream to serve.

Thrifty Thursday: Give It Up

One way to save money is to give up various "extras". You can do it to save money because you need that money for the things you need. And, you can do it when you don't really need to; in order to have more ability to bless others. In light of the earthquake in Haiti, folks are all thinking about we can/should do.

I don't believe there is something inherently good about living a life of denial or extreme simplicity. But, we should be living sacrificially. We should be willing to regularly give something up for the sake of another. For our families, for our church family, for our friends, for our neighbors, for strangers, for the fatherless. Our time, our money & stuff, our emotional energy.


The apostle Paul exhorts us to bear each other's burdens.
I am sure I am going to ruin this quote a bit, as I can't find my book to look it up... But, I read Tim Keller's book, Ministries of Mercy a couple years ago, and he had a great quote from Jonathon Edwards. Edwards said that, if we are really bearing each other's burdens, that requires us to feel burdened. Once I read that, it was so obvious. But, somehow I hadn't thought of that before. If you are helping someone, but never really inconveniencing yourself, you aren't really bearing their burden.

So, applying that to my budget, it is good for me to give up stuff that I want and will miss. Not for the sake of self-denial. But, so I can use that money for someone else's need. Something specific that we are trying to save our money for is adoption and the care of orphans around the world.


Here's the money saving sacrifice that I have begun. I know to some (most, all?) of you it will seem so ridiculous that I even did this... And, it is not really quite burden-bearing to give it up, just a small sacrifice.
We used to have a glass of wine nearly every evening. Or perhaps a cocktail or some sort of adult beverage.
The dollars can really add up. We can use those dollars every month to help support on orphan home. The plan is to do that through World Orphans. Check it out & let me know if you want help us support a home!

Thrifty Thursday: Less is More

I am trying to practice this a bit in the kitchen. Less of the pricier ingredient in your meal, is more money left over.
For example, when I bake Chocolate Chip cookies, I have been putting about 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips in them, instead of the full 2 cups.
When putting the ground beef in the chili, or the spaghetti sauce, or the lasagna, use less.
More beans, less ham in the soup.
More potatoes, less chicken in the curry.
Less mozzarella on the pizza.
I am using less shallots, more plain ole' yellow onion.
What else can be decreased in the various recipes you gals make?

Thifty Thursday: To Everything There is a Season

Buy your produce in season. It tastes better & it is cheaper. Oh, it is "greener", too.

Buying produce can be tricky. Some stuff is priced per item. Some per pound. And, that varies from store to store. And, the prices can fluctuate by several dollars from place to place, month to month, week to week. You don't ever know if the price is good, just by looking at the weekly sale ad, if you don't know what a good price is. The apples are on "sale" for $1.99. Hmmm... in season they should only be around $1. So, that is a bad sale.
We aren't totally strict on localism & such. We still eat bananas. But, eating according to seasons can really aid your grocery budget.

Years ago, I was shopping with my mom at a nice produce stand in the county. I was living at home & did some of the cooking & shopping for the family. I think it must have been the dead of winter. But, I desired to make a peach pie. My mom didn't say much, but I think she let me know she didn't think the idea was that great. But I was stubborn & ignorant. When my mom saw that the price of peaches was $4.99 per lb. (!!!), I think she gasped. I still bought them anyway. Enough for a few pies. I was confident that they would be tasty. And, they were. But, I am not sure they tasted like $50. I learned something from that.
But, not everything. A few years later, as a young wife, I decided to make fresh spring pea soup as a starter for dinner. But, it wasn't spring. That little pot of soup was worth about $60. No joke.
Lesson - if you have very little concept of what something should cost, per lb., maybe you should weigh it. They have scales right there. For your convenience. Even though it looks like no one else is using them - go ahead - just do it. Weigh it. If you kids are tall enough, I bet they would love the job. It's kinda fun.
I think learning good produce prices mostly just takes experience. And I still have a lot to learn. Someone like my mom, who has been paying attention to produce prices on a weekly basis, for about 35 years, knows her stuff much better than I do.
Pay attention to prices & you will start learning what is a good deal. Pretty soon you'll have the "appropriate" prices memorized for all your regular purchases. I am fairly confident that the produce stand in Moss Landing, that I have been going to, has some of the best prices in my area. But, I don't have any hard core data on that. I should try to work on that.
I found this Oregonian's comparison chart* that may be helpful to you, or not. It is a few years old. I can't really find much of specifics on this subject on the web. But then, I am not a very good web surfer.

* a note to those who follow this link & read about the woody California strawberries. Those are NOT Well-Pict berries. And, it is not a problem of where they were grown. It is a breeding problem. Buy Well-Pict & you won't have the problem.